Mazda updates Mazda6 range for 2021

MAZDA Australia has announced a minor update for its venerable Mazda6 medium sedan and wagon range, one that ushers in a new variant along with some minor spec changes.

The headline act of the update is the new GT SP grade, which replaces the GT as the penultimate variant in the Mazda6 line-up and adds some visual flair.

Differentiated from the outside by its black 19-inch alloy wheels, turbo badging and black mirror caps, the GT SP can also be identified by its burgundy leather upholstery, unique instrument panel stitching and bright finish on the instrument panel decoration strip, vents and door handles.

The other primary change is the addition of the Polymetal Grey metallic exterior colour across the range.

The broader range update has seen some minor price increases across the line-up, with the Sport grades up $100, the Touring and Atenza by $200 and the GT SP by $700 over the GT.

No changes have been made under the bonnet, with the Sport and Touring still powered by a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G four-cylinder petrol engine good for 140kW at 6000rpm and 252Nm at 4000rpm.

Driving the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission, the Skyactiv-G engine sips an average of 7.0 litres of fuel per 100km.

Meanwhile the GT SP and Atenza use a turbocharged engine of identical size that boosts outputs to 170kW/420Nm, also driving the front wheels via a differently geared six-speed auto. Fuel consumption increases slightly with the turbo mill to 7.6L/100km.

Standard equipment on the entry-level Sport includes 17-inch alloys, LED head- and tail-lights, heated exterior mirrors, and a roof spoiler and roof rails for the wagon.

Inside, it scores an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility and satellite navigation, dual-zone air conditioning, leather-wrapped gear shifter and steering wheel (with paddle shifters), black cloth upholstery, auto-dimming rearview mirror, push-button start, USB charging ports and a head-up display.

Safety kit extends to blind spot monitor, front/rear autonomous emergency braking, active cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, tyre pressure monitoring, reversing camera and rear parking sensors.

Moving up to the Touring adds LED daytime running lights, auto-folding exterior mirrors, advanced keyless entry, 10-way adjustable driver’s seat with two-way memory function, six-way adjustable passenger seat, black leather upholstery and front parking sensors.

Along with the aforementioned style enhancements, the GT SP also includes Mazda’s adaptive front lighting system and front/rear seat heating.

At the top of the range, the Atenza includes bright-finish 19-inch alloys, powered sunroof, front seat ventilation, walnut brown or pure white Nappa leather upholstery, 7.0-inch instrument cluster display, ambient LED lighting, black headliner, frameless rearview mirror, wood trim inserts, Ultrasuede door and dashboard trim inserts, surround-view monitor, adaptive LED headlights and a heated steering wheel.

The current Mazda6, which first went on sale locally in late 2012, sold 1727 examples in 2020, down 33.9 per cent compared to 2019 and enough to finish third in the medium car segment behind the Toyota Camry (13,727) and Skoda Octavia (2111).

2021 Mazda6 pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs